Tips for Green Spring Cleaning

The days are longer, the snow is gone, and the flowers are blooming – yes, it is spring in Minnesota! If you are like many people, this time of year motivates you spruce up your lawn and home, as well as clean out the clutter.

Americans generate 1.6 million tons of waste each year from common household products. These products can include paint thinners, grease and rust removers, mold and mildew removers, oven cleaners and many more. Leftovers of these products, often referred to as "household hazardous waste" (HHW), may contain corrosive, toxic, flammable, or reactive ingredients.

Improper disposal of household hazardous waste can include pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or in some cases putting them out with the trash. Improper disposal of these materials can pollute the environment. So, before you break out the cleaning supplies, rakes, and the trash bags (or dumpsters), take a minute to read the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s environment-friendly tips:

  • Before you buy, always check the product labels – look for labeling that reads "DANGER," "WARNING," "CAUTION," "TOXIC," or "POISON." These warnings tell you if the product is harmful to you, your family and the environment, and how to use, store, and dispose of it safely.
  • Dispose of household products safely – never pour corrosive, toxic, flammable, ore reactive household products down the sink, toilet, or bathtub drain unless the products are made for that purpose.
  • Try alternative products when available. Reaching for a heavy-duty cleaner? Reach into your cupboard instead. Common household materials such as baking soda and vinegar can often do the job on floors and other surfaces.
  • Keep leaves and other debris out of the street. Planning on spiffing up the yard with a good raking? Leaves and grass can go in your backyard composter or bag them and bring them to a local waste composting site. Just make sure to only bring the leaves and twigs, not the sand and grit. The sand and dirt mixed with the leaves belongs on your lawn, it's good for the soil and vegetation.
  • Consider using phosphorus-free fertilizers if you fertilize your lawn.They can help maintain a healthy lawn without contributing excess phosphorus to stormwater runoff. This helps to keep our lakes and wetlands free of excessive algae growth.
  • Be sure not to sweep debris into the street where oil-soaked dirt and grime can get washed into storm sewers and eventually end up in nearby streams, rivers or lakes. This material should go in the trash.

Many communities in Minnesota offer a variety of options for safely managing your HHW. Check with your local solid waste authority for collections in your area.

Sidebar:Green Cleaning Recipes

All-purpose cleaner

¼ cup white vinegar

2 teaspoons borax

3 ½ cups hot water

20 drops lemon or lavender essential oil

¼ cup liquid dish soap

In a 32-ounce spray bottle, mix vinegar, borax and water thoroughly. Add essential oil if desired. Add dish soap last.

Floor cleaner

1/8 cup liquid soap

¼ - ½ cup white vinegar or lemon juice

½ cup peppermint herbal tea (peppermint has antibacterial qualities)

Combine ingredients in a pail with 3 gallons of warm water. Swirl until sudsy. Rinse with one cup of vinegar in 3 gallons of cool water.

Soft scrub

½ cup baking soda

Enough liquid soap or detergent to make into frosting-like consistency

5-10 drops antibacterial essential oil, such as lavender

Put baking soda in a bowl; slowly pour liquid soap, stirring continually. Add essential oil if desired. Scoop onto a sponge and wash surface. Rinse.

Glass cleaner

¼ cup white vinegar

½ teaspoon liquid soap or detergent

2 cups water

Combine in a spray bottle and shake to blend.